RADIOLOGICAL PARAMETERS OF BLEEDING RENAL ANGIOMYOLIPOMA

Angiomyolipomas are rare tumours of the kidney which have a tendency t o bleed. We studied the clinical and radiological features of 11 patie nts from our institution to identify features which may be predictive of a massive haemorrhage. Tumours more than 6 cm in diameter were foun d to bleed and the demonstration of pseudoaneurysms on contrast CT sca nning was associated with massive haemorrhage. We conclude that large angiomyolipomas should be treated to avoid haemorrhage and the detecti on of pseudoaneurysms should prompt urgent treatment.